Unveiling the Link: How Personality Traits Influence Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Through OCT and Psychological Assessment

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal condition characterized by the accumulation of subretinal fluid, leading to visual disturbances. Although the exact pathophysiology remains unclear, its etiology can be considered multifactorial, with stress and personality traits being significant contributors.T his study involved 44 participants, half having been diagnosed with CSCR and the other half serving as controls. Comprehensive data, including medical history, symptomatology, and corticosteroid use, were collected. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5–Brief Form (PID-5-BF) and TEMPS-A-brief. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate choroidal thickness, photoreceptor alteration, pigment epithelium detachment, and macular edema. The results indicated a higher prevalence of CSCR in men (male-to-female ratio of 1:10) with an average age of 50.55 years. A correlation between increased choroidal thickness and age was noted, with older patients showing higher values and complications like secondary choroidal neovascularization. Corticosteroid use did not correlate with increased choroidal thickness. Psychological assessments revealed no significant correlation between CSCR and specific personality domains; however, a trend towards higher negative affectivity was observed in CSCR patients. In conclusion, the study's epidemiological findings align with those in the existing literature, emphasizing a higher prevalence of CSCR in males and increased choroidal thickness with age. Although no direct correlation between personality traits and CSCR was statistically validated, a trend towards negative affectivity suggests a potential link. The interplay between psychological factors and CSCR warrants further investigation, and understanding the role of mental states in CSCR's onset and progression could inform integrated management strategies. The results underscore the need for larger sample sizes to confirm these preliminary findings and to explore the mechanisms underlying CSCR's association with psychological stress and choroidal dysfunction.